Agnes Magpale statement after PDP rally: Duterte support not surprising

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale is not surprised that President Rodrigo Duterte is supporting the candidacy of Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia for governor.

In fact, Magpale said, she expected the move.

"We expected it and, true enough, PDP candidates were endorsed by the President. It is, after all, the party that he ran under for the presidency in 2016," Magpale said in a statement.

Magpale is running against Garcia for governor while current governor Hilario Davide III is running for vice governor against Garcia’s running mate, Daphne Salimbangon.

Last Sunday night, Duterte raised the hands of Garcia and Salimbangon during the Cebu rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) at the Plaza Independencia.

"Kini si Gwen, ako gyud ni suportahan," Duterte said.

In his speech, he also said that it was the Garcias that supported him during the “critical hours” of his campaign in 2016.

Magpale said that even if she did not get Duterte's endorsement, she will continue to support the President.

"Notwithstanding alliances formed in this midterm elections, we remain steadfast in support of President Duterte’s anti-graft and corruption, anti-drugs campaign," Magpale said.

Magpale is the standard bearer of local group Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (BAKUD).

BAKUD is an ally of national political party, National People's Coalition.

Garcia’s group, One Cebu, aligned itself with Duterte’s PDP-Laban. (FREEMAN)